Kardiket

Drug name: Kardiket

Other names used:

• Dilatrate-SR®
• Isordil®
• Sorbitrate®

Active Ingredients: Isosorbide dinitrate

Therapeutic actions: isosorbide dinitrate is in a class of drugs called nitrates. isosorbide dinitrate dilates (widens or relaxes) blood vessels (arteries and veins). When blood vessels are dilated, it is easier for the heart to pump. Also, more blood, which is rich in oxygen, can flow to the heart.

Indications: isosorbide dinitrate is used to treat attacks of angina (sublingual and chewable tablets) and to prevent attacks of angina from occurring (capsules and tablets).

Contraindications and cautions: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have had a heart attack;
• have congestive heart failure;
• have low blood pressure;
• have had a stroke, a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke), or a serious head injury;
• have anemia;
• have an allergy to nitrates;
• have closed-angle glaucoma;
• suffer from migraines;
• have kidney disease;
• have liver disease.
• You may not be able to take isosorbide dinitrate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy.
• isosorbide dinitrate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether isosorbide dinitrate will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is also not known whether isosorbide passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. isosorbide dinitrate may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Also, stand up slowly from a lying or sitting position.
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol also widens your blood vessels, and it can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, and drowsiness. If you consume alcohol, you could endanger yourself or others.
• Do not stop taking isosorbide dinitrate suddenly.

Adverse effects: The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking isosorbide dinitrate and seek emergency medical attention:
• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• blurred vision and dry mouth;
• irregular heartbeat;
• fainting.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, continue to take isosorbide and talk to your doctor:
• headache or dizziness;
• flushing (redness of the face, neck and chest);
• nausea or vomiting;
• fast heartbeat;
• swollen ankles;
• weakness.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Interactions: Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine.

• Do not use sildenafil (Viagra), a drug used to treat impotence, while taking isosorbide dinitrate. The combination could cause severe or life-threatening low blood pressure.
• Before taking isosorbide dinitrate, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
• dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45);
• any other heart medicines, especially those used to treat high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats.
• You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Do not drink alcohol. Like isosorbide dinitrate, alcohol widens your blood vessels, and it can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, and drowsiness. If you combine isosorbide dinitrate and alcohol, you could endanger yourself or others.
• drugs other than those listed here may also interact with isosorbide dinitrate or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.